Nashville’s COVID-19 Response Fund Is Depleted

Nashville’s COVID-19 Response Fund — which funnels money to nonprofits helping people in need — is essentially depleted. That’s after the latest round of grants, totaling $1.3 million.

The United Way of Greater Nashville oversees the fund and announced Monday morning that it may not have any more to give. Its leaders are again asking corporations and philanthropists to help, noting that “a lot more” money would be needed for the fund to be effective.

“If you are employed and can help, please do,” says CEO Brian Hassett. “Everybody knows somebody who’s been affected by this.”

The most recent round of giving focused on supplying nonprofits with personal protective equipment and sanitation supplies.

Earlier rounds included direct cash aid meant to keep people in their homes, including rent and utility payment assistance. The fund has also given to groups that work to prevent suicide and domestic violence, that provide food, and that provide childcare to essential workers.

A full list of recipients is available online.

“What we’re seeing that has been somewhat unusual this time … is people that more or less never had to ask for help, are now asking for help,” Hassett says.

In all, the fund has given out $4.9 million since March, and has about $150,000 on hand.

Looming ripple effect

On the horizon, the United Way worries about the health of the region’s nonprofit sector. Hassett notes a national estimate has projected that 7% to 10% of nonprofits may not survive the pandemic, but he says it could end up worse.

“A lot of our organizations depend on special events like golf tournaments, dinners, galas, things like that. They’re all canceled. So we’re worried about the viability,” he says.

There’s also the potential for donor fatigue, especially after the region raised roughly $20 million between tornado and pandemic relief efforts. As one comparison, the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee gathered about $14 million in the year following the May 2010 flood.

United Way has been surveying the needs of the nonprofits that it funds while organizing another push for donations.

This story was updated at 3:40 p.m. to reflect an interview with the United Way.